All Disciplines
Estonia
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The Scholar is expected to teach courses to undergraduate and graduate students (exact hours, teaching load, and responsibilities will be negotiated directly with the host institution), conduct collaborative research in cooperation with the host institution, and, upon request, provide advice on professional curriculum development, student advising, and supervision. Artists and professionals must meet the teaching or teaching/research activity requirements; however, artistic and professional projects are welcome during their grant.
For teaching/research grants, no less than 30% of the grant activity should be dedicated to teaching or teaching-related activities.
Scholars selected for this grant will be required to attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation in Summer 2027.
Applicants are encouraged to affiliate with one of the following institutions:
University of Tartu https://ut.ee/en
General point of contact: International Relations Office: iro@ut.ee
International Cooperation Office contacts:
Kristi Kerge kristi.kerge@ut.ee (Head of International Cooperation),
Eveli Soo eveli.soo@ut.ee (Head of International Marketing),
Sirje Üprus sirje.uprus@ut.ee (International Cooperation)
UT Research portal: https://ut.ee/en/research
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities https://humanitaarteadused.ut.ee/; hv.dekanaat@ut.ee
- Faculty of Social Sciences https://sotsiaalteadused.ut.ee/; sotsiaalteadused@ut.ee
- Faculty of Medicine https://meditsiiniteadused.ut.ee/; med@ut.ee
- Faculty of Science and Technology https://reaalteadused.ut.ee/; ltt@ut.ee
- Viljandi Culture Academy https://viljandi.ut.ee/; kultuur@ut.ee
- Pärnu College https://pc.ut.ee/; info@pc.ut.ee
- Narva College https://narva.ut.ee/; info@pc.ut.ee
TalTech: Tallinn University of Technology, https://taltech.ee/en/
General points of contact: Research Administration Office - Contact | TalTech
Mihkel Läänelaid mihkel.laanelaid@taltech.ee , (Head of Research Cooperation),
Anna-Maria Nizovtseva anna-maria.nizovtseva@taltech.ee , (International Cooperation Coordinator),
Kersti Vähi Kersti.vahi@taltech.ee (Chief Officer of Research and Development Projects),
- School of Information Technologies; https://taltech.ee/en/school-of-information-technologies; Dean Gert Jervan gert.jervan@taltech.ee, Vice Dean Birgy Lorenz, Birgy.Lorenz@taltech.ee
- School of Engineering; https://taltech.ee/en/school-of-engineering; Dean Fjodor Sergejev fjodor.sergejev@taltech.ee
- School of Science; https://taltech.ee/en/school-of-science; Dean Andrus Salupera andrus.salupere@taltech.ee
- School of Business and Governance; https://taltech.ee/en/sbg; Dean Mari Avarmaa, mari.avarmaa@taltech.ee
- Estonian Maritime Academy; https://taltech.ee/en/estonian-maritime-academy; Director Roomet Leiger roomet.leiger@taltech.ee
Tallinn University https://www.tlu.ee/en
General points of contact: Office of International Cooperation, Anete Elken, anete.elken@tlu.ee
Tallinn University Research Administration Office: https://www.tlu.ee/en/taxonomy/term/94/contact-us
- Baltic Film, Media and Arts School, https://www.tlu.ee/en/bfm; Riho Västrik, Acting Head of the School, Riho.Vastrik@tlu.ee
- School of Digital Technologies, https://www.tlu.ee/en/dt; Tiit Vapper, Head of the School, Tiit.Vapper@tlu.ee
- School of Educational Sciences, https://www.tlu.ee/en/hti; Tiia Oun, Head of the School, tiia.oun@tlu.ee
- School of Humanities, https://www.tlu.ee/en/ht; Uku Lember, Head of the School, uku.lember@tlu.ee;
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, https://www.tlu.ee/en/lti; Priit Reiska, Head of the School, priit.reiska@tlu.ee
- School of Governance, Law and Society, https://www.tlu.ee/en/yti; Tiina Pajuste, Head of the School, Tiina.Pajuste@tlu.ee
- Haapsalu College, https://www.tlu.ee/en/haapsalu; Heli Kaldas, Director of the College, heli.kaldas@hk.tlu.ee
Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, https://eamt.ee/en/
General points of contact:
Henry-David Varema henry-david.varema@eamt.ee (Vice Rector of International Relations)
Hanneleen Pihlak hanneleen.pihlak@eamt.ee (International Relations Coordinator)
Kai Kiiv kai.kiiv@eatm.ee, International Relations Specialist
- Department of Classical Music Performance: https://eamt.ee/en/departments/classical-music-performance/
- Department of Compositions and Improvisational Performing Arts: https://eamt.ee/en/departments/composition-and-improvisational-performing-arts/
- Department of Musicology, Music Pedagogy and Cultural Management: https://eamt.ee/en/departments/musicology/
- Department of Drama: https://eamt.ee/en/departments/drama/about/
Estonian Academy of Arts, https://www.artun.ee/en/home/
General point of contact: International Relations Office: international@artun.ee,
Sandra Mell Sandra.mell@artun.ee (International Relations Specialist)
Research portal of the Estonian Academy of Arts: https://www.artun.ee/en/research-and-development/research/research-at-eka/
- Faculty of Architecture, https://www.artun.ee/en/academy/faculties/faculty-of-architecture/, Dean Sille Pihlak, sille.pihlak@artun.ee
- Faculty of Design, https://www.artun.ee/en/academy/faculties/faculty-of-design/, Dean Kristjan Mändmaa, kristjan.mandmaa@artun.ee
- Faculty of Fine Arts, https://www.artun.ee/en/academy/faculties/faculty-of-fine-arts/, Dean of Fine Arts Kirke Kangro, kirke.kangro@artun.ee
- Faculty of Art and Culture, https://www.artun.ee/en/academy/faculties/faculty-of-art-and-culture/, Dean Epp Lankots, epp.lankots@artun.ee
Estonian University of Life Sciences, https://www.emu.ee/en
General point of contact: Vice Rector for Research, Kalle Olli, kalle.olli@emu.ee
Estonian University of Life Sciences Research portal: https://www.emu.ee/en/research/
- Institute of Forestry and Engineering, https://mi.emu.ee/en , Marek Metsalaid, Director of the Institute marek.metslaid@emu.ee
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, https://pk.emu.ee/en, Aret Vooremäe, Director of the Institute, aret.vooremae@emu.ee
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, https://vl.emu.ee/en, Toomas Tiirats, Director of the Institute, toomas.tiirats@emu.ee
Estonian Aviation Academy, https://www.lennuakadeemia.ee/en
General point of contact: Vice Rector Maiken Kull, maiken.kull@eava.ee
Three to nine months
One-semester grants must begin in September/October/November 2027 or January/February/March 2028; two-semester grants must begin in September/October/November 2027. Depending on the host flexibility, grant dates might be flexible but are reviewed case-by-case.
Dr Brian Baer spent four months in Estonia at the University of Tartu in spring 2024, where he taught, researched and lectured on literature translation and semiotics. In cooperation with the PD Section for the US Embassy, Dr Baer, (Professor of Russian and Translation Studies at Kent State University) traveled to Narva in spring 204, where he led a public evening event at Narva American Space at Narva Central library to a mixed gender and age audience of about 40 people, taking about his work and experience as a translator from Russian to English and its intricacies, as well as his academic work in the U.S., Estonia and (previously) Russia. The next day, Professor Baer replicated the success at Sillamäe Library to 25 eager visitors who gave up their lunch hour to listen to the professor.
Both engagements received significant media interest resulting in a Public Broadcasting Company’s Russian-language ETV+ on-camera interview and Russian-language Radio 4 interview, as well and national Russian-language Delfi online interview and two Russian-language local papers stories (Narvskaja Gazeta and Sillamjaeski Vestnik).
Dr Vanessa Ruget, Professor of Politics, Policy and International Relations Department from the Salem State University, spent a semester at the University of Tartu Skytte Institute of Political Science. She taught several classes, conducted research with her fellow scholars and joined the Embassy in supporting the Viljandi American Space outreach event to local students. Additionally, she was invited to review and discuss master's theses, presented at, and served as discussant for, the annual conference on East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Tartu. She also experiences important local culture – she sung (in Estonian!) in the choir at the graduation ceremony on Wednesday and participated in many other social and academic events.
These are just a few examples of the many ways you can enrich your Fulbright Scholar experience while in Estonia – and the Embassy is here to help you thrive!
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
Successful applicants will present a letter of invitation from the host institution. The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn may be able to assist with sharing appropriate contacts in addition to those provided in the award description. The Embassy PoC is Jane Susi, SusiJ@state.gov.
All teaching will be in English.
For research, language proficiency sufficient to complete the proposed project is required. Applicants should address how they intend to conduct their project in the relevant language in their project statement.
Both academic and professional applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience at a university, college or community college at the time of application. Teaching assistantships do not count toward this three-year requirement.
Professional applicants and artists with the required teaching experience will be considered and evaluated by the host institution case by case.
$3,750
$750 books and educational materials allowance; should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure.
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $150/month to $300/month. In addition, a travel allowance of $2,500 is provided for one dependent and $5,000 for two or more accompanying dependents.
A dependent education allowance for accompanying dependents in grades K-12 is reimbursed at $5,000 maximum for one semester, $10,000 maximum for a full academic year, upon submission of receipts and depending on funding availability. Reimbursement is based on actual costs.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Estonia
Estonia is a Baltic country in Northern Europe, bordered to the north by the Gulf of Finland, to the west by the Baltic Sea, to the south by Latvia, and to the east by Lake Peipus and Russia. Across the Baltic Sea lie Sweden and Finland. Since regaining independence in 1991, Estonia has embraced new technologies and experienced tremendous development. While it is widely known as the birthplace of Skype, other globally successful start-ups such as Bolt, Wise, and Pipedrive have emerged from Estonia’s vibrant and innovative start-up culture. This culture contributes to Estonia’s reputation as one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world and a leader in promoting Internet freedom. Estonia is also recognized for its pioneering e-government services, online voting, and e-residency.
Tallinn, the capital city, was the European Sports Capital in 2025. Its medieval Old Town is rich in charm, offering restaurants, cafes, and cultural activities. Estonia’s commitment to free speech contributes to its high rankings for press freedom. Tartu, considered Estonia’s intellectual hub, is home to the of the University of Tartu, founded in 1632, and serves as a gateway to South Estonia, offering excellent quality of life and cultural diversity.
Estonia has six public universities, all of which host Fulbright participants. Additionally, the country has one private university, five private professional higher education institutions, and seven state professional higher education institutions. For insights into Estonia, the privately published Estonian World online magazine is a useful resource. More information about Estonia’s higher education structure is available on the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research homepage.
The academic year runs from September through June, with January and June typically reserved for examinations. A two-week winter holiday is also observed. Teaching is conducted in English, and ample opportunities exist for research, particularly in collaboration with Estonian scholars. Applicants may contact Fulbright staff at the U.S. Embassy in Estonia for assistance in identifying contacts relevant to their research interests. Additional engagement opportunities are available through the U.S. Embassy’s American Spaces program, and EducationUSA Advising Centre at the Tallinn University of Technology, and Estonia’s cultural and NGO sectors.
English-language education for dependents is available in Tallinn and Tartu. However, in recent years, the Fulbright Program has been unable to provide tuition assistance for private English-language schools.
For further information, please contact Public Engagement Specialist Jane Susi (SusiJ@state.gov) at the U.S. Embassy in Estonia.
Lily Song (Fulbright Scholar in Tallinn, 2025) – lilysong@gmail.com (Urban Planning)
Vanessa Ruget (Fulbright Scholar in Tartu, 2025) - vruget@salemstate.edu (History and Political Science)
Michael Guo-Brennan (Fulbright Scholar in Tallinn, 2025) - mbrennan@troy.edu (Education)
Brian Baer (Fulbright Scholar in Tartu, 2024) - bbaer@kent.edu (Translation and Semiotics)
Jules Yimga (Fulbright Scholar in Tartu, 2023) - yimgaj@erau.edu (Aviation Economics)
Andrea Wollensak (Fulbright Scholar in Tallinn, 2023) - ajwol@conncoll.edu (Service Design and Visual Communication)
Ilya Buynevich (Fulbright Scholar in Tallinn, 2022) - coast@temple.edu (Geology)
Dawn Edminston (Fulbright Scholar in Tallinn, 2021) - dawn.edmiston@mason.wm.edu (Marketing and Advertising)
Rhonda Petree (Fulbright Scholar to Narva College of the University of Tartu in 2019) - rhondapetree@uwalumni.com (English Language Pedagogy)
Brenda Morton (Fulbright Scholar to University of Tartu in 2018) - bmorton@umhb.edu (Special Education and Pedagogy)
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Applicants are encouraged to contact indicated host institutions to arrange an affiliation. If necessary, the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn can help to arrange an affiliation with one of the listed institutions.
For detailed information about specific institutional requests, contact U.S. Embassy Public Engagement Specialist Jane Susi, susij@state.gov.